leD PAR 38 instRuction mAnuAl
SET UP
Power Supply: Before plugging your unit in, be sure the source voltage in your area matches the required voltage for
your Venue LED PAR 38. Because line voltage may vary from venue to venue, you should be sure your unit voltage
requirements match the wall outlet voltage before attempting to operate.
DMX-512: DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal protocol used as a form of communication between
intelligent fixtures and controllers. A DMX controller sends DMX data instructions from the controller to the fixture. DMX
data is sent as serial data that travels from fixture to fixture via the DATA “IN” and DATA “OUT” XLR terminals located on
all DMX fixtures (most controllers only have a DATA “OUT” terminal).
DMX Linking: DMX is a language allowing all makes and models of different manufactures to be linked together and
operate from a single controller, as long as all fixtures and the controller are DMX compliant. To ensure proper DMX data
transmission, when using several DMX fixtures, try to use the shortest cable path possible. The order in which fixtures
are connected in a DMX line does not influence the DMX addressing. For example, a fixture assigned a DMX address
of 1 may be placed anywhere in a DMX line, at the beginning, at the end, or anywhere in the middle. When a fixture is
assigned a DMX address of 1, the DMX controller knows to send DATA assigned to address 1 to that unit, no matter
where it is located in the DMX chain.
Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements (For DMX Operation): The Venue LED PAR 38 can be controlled via DMX-512
protocol. The Venue LED PAR 38 is a six channel DMX unit. The DMX
address is set on the back panel of the Venue LED PAR 38. Your unit and
your DMX controller require a standard 3-pin XLR connector for data input
and data output (Figure 1). If you are making your own cables, be sure to
use standard two conductor shielded cable (This cable may be purchased
at almost all pro sound and lighting stores). Your cables should be made
with a male and female XLR connector on either end of the cable. Also
remember that DMX cables must be daisy chained and cannot be split.
Notice: Be sure to follow Figures 2 and 3 when making your
own cables. Do not use the ground lug on the XLR connector. Do not
connect the cable’s shield conductor to the ground lug or allow the
shield conductor to come in contact with the XLR’s outer casing.
Grounding the shield could cause a short circuit and erratic behavior.
Special Note: Line Termination. When longer runs of cable are used, you
may need to use a terminator on the last unit to avoid erratic behavior. A
terminator is a 90-120 Ohm 1/4 watt resistor which is connected between
pins 2 and 3 of a male XLR connector (DATA + and DATA -). This unit is
inserted in the female XLR connector of the last unit in your daisy chain
to terminate the line. Using a cable terminator will decrease the possibili-
ties of erratic behavior (Figure 4).
Page 4
XLR Male Socket
1 Ground
2 Cold
3 Hot
2 Cold
3 Hot
1 Ground
XLR Female Socket
Figure 3
Figure 2
XLR Pin Configuration
Pin 1 = Ground
Pin 2 = Data Compliment (negative)
Pin 3 = Data True (positive)
COMMON
DMX +
DMX -
DMX512 OUT
3-PIN XLR
DMX512 IN
3-PIN XLR
1
2
3
1
2
3
Figure 1
1
2
3
Termination reduces signal errors and
avoids signal transmission problems
and interference. It is always advisable
to connect a DMX termainal, (Resistance
120 Ohm 1/4 W) between PIN 2 (DMX-)
and PIN 3 (DMX +) of the last fixture.
Figure 4
